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The Abortion Infodemic, Social Media and Human Trafficking, and AI Regulation
CfA's February 1st Newsletter
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Instagram Content Policies Benefit Organizations Spreading Anti-Abortion Disinformation
The suppression of abortion information on social media is nothing new. For years, pro-choice groups have had their posts blurred or removed from platforms like Instagram and TikTok; this is particularly common for posts about self-administered abortion medications. While Meta has policies against the sale of prescription drugs, it makes exceptions for verified advertisers that are operating lawfully in the countries they want to target. Recently, though, Meta shadowbanned an account run Hey Jane, a licensed medication abortion provider. Anti-abortion organizations, meanwhile, are free to run Meta advertisements that spread disinformation about the safety of those same medications.
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In 2023, a group of researchers at the University of Connecticut warned that Americans were facing an “abortion infodemic,” fueled by a high volume of intentionally false and misleading content about the risks of abortion procedures. Modern digital marketing tools make the problem worse by allowing anti-abortion organizations to target individuals based on their movements or personal data. In this environment, it’s easy for users to be misled—especially when social media companies are going out of their way seek the Trump Administration’s approval on policy changes.
Human Trafficking Accounts Removed from Social Media Platforms
This week, the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) announced that it had helped remove more than 8,000 social media accounts linked to human trafficking––a 40% increase over 2023. Working with companies like Meta, X, TikTok, and YouTube, NCA’s investigators identified accounts linked to organized criminal networks that were used to advertise illegal border crossings and fake ID documents. A recent report by the Texas Tribune described how cartels have used social media to recruit Americans for smuggling operations, advertising “driving” gigs that involve picking up passengers or cargo near the border. As companies like Meta pull resources from content moderation, it becomes easier for criminals to take advantage of these platforms and use them to target vulnerable individuals.
In 2021, TTP researchers identified dozens of active Facebook pages that were used to advertise illegal border crossing services, some of which appeared to involve cartels. Smugglers also spread disinformation about the process of seeking asylum, to give migrants a false sense of security and lure them into paying thousands of dollars for passage to the United States.
Trump Commerce Pick Previews Policy on AI, Crypto
This week, the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee held a hearing for the nomination of Howard Lutnick, who the Trump Administration has tapped to lead the Department of Commerce. As a longtime ally of President Trump, Lutnick has played a prominent role in his transition team and is now poised to shape America’s trade policy, which could include standards for AI systems. Under Biden, the Department was responsible for implementing the now-rescinded executive order on AI; Trump has since replaced this directive with an order to promote the development of AI systems that are “free from ideological bias or engineered social agendas.”
Lutnick spoke vaguely about his plans for AI policy, and praised the National Institute on Standards and Technology (NIST) for its work to develop voluntary technical standards for AI systems. He took more definite positions on cryptocurrency, defending the crypto platform Tether from criticism regarding the role it plays in facilitating money laundering and other illicit activity. Lutnick has previously vouched for Tether’s financial solvency, as Cantor Fitzgerald has apparently manages “many” of its assets.
What We’re Reading
New York doctor indicted for prescribing abortion pill in Louisiana
‘Using the devil’s own tools against them': Abortion opponents turn to environmental laws
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